Being a stay-at-home dad has perks, but trying to re-enter the job market after a few years at home can produce challenges. While job hunting is daunting for many, workers searching for employment after a gap in work history face a different set of considerations. Additionally, you might find your job application materials need updating if you have been a stay-at-home dad for a few years. Networking, writing, and interviewing strategies can help you enter the job market successfully and find a job that suits your passions.

Use Your Connections

Instead of conducting a job search using common search engines, call on former co-workers and other connections to help you land a job. Those who have known you in a professional role will be able to verify your qualities and skills. You can use online platforms such as LinkedIn or socialize in person with past professional acquaintances by attending conferences or seminars. For example, if you used to work in an academic job, attend a conference or lecture series and let connections know that you are actively seeking work. The best way to find opportunities is to stay active in the community where you want to work and maintain relationships with other professionals. According to Forbes.com, networking is the best way to find a job. In a 2010 survey conducted by a Milwaukee firm, 41 percent of respondents said they found their positions through networking, while only 2 percent found their jobs by finding a job advertisement.

Building a Resume

Prepare a resume that lists your objectives for returning to the workforce, your contact information, your education, your work experience and your specialized skills. Because you have a gap in your work history, you might choose to prepare a functional resume. This format allows you to list work experience in experience categories rather than outlining your work history in reverse chronological order. Using this resume format, list two to three categories and provide bullet points under each one that describe your past duties. For example, include "Customer Service Experience" as a subtitle, and include bullet points describing any position or function where you worked directly with customers. At the bottom of the resume, provide a list of jobs worked and the dates you held the positions.

Writing a Cover Letter

Prepare a cover letter and describe the reasons you've been out of the workforce. Tailor the cover letter to the specific job you desire, and describe your experience and skills. Then, when describing your time away from the workforce, focus on the skills you've retained and your desire to return. For example, "Although I have been a stay-at-home dad for the past two years, I am eager to return to the workforce and continue bringing my customer service skills to this position. Being a stay-at-home dad has helped me understand the importance of support roles in any operation. I will bring this knowledge back to the workforce to perform as a top manager." Address the cover letter to a specific person, if possible, and use formal salutations such as "Dear" and "Sincerely." It is common to email a cover letter in the digital age, and if you do so, treat the email like a formal letter and proofread carefully.

Treat the Interview with Professionalism

Even if you land an interview through contacts and connections, approach it professionally and make a proper impression. Those who referred or recommended you did so because they stand behind your credentials. Dress in professional attire and bring copies of your resume. Wear a suit to the interview, and be prepared to answer and ask questions. Recruiters might ask you about specific experiences on your resume, and they might also ask you to describe how you would handle particular situations. Additionally, be prepared to ask a few questions about the job and the company. Show that you've done your research by asking about specific features of the job. Avoid asking questions about salary and benefits during the first interview, as this can be a turnoff to potential employers. According to Ellen Dorle at Forbes.com, the best way to stand out during an interview is to show your passion. Dorle explains that when you are passionate about something, you talk about it with enthusiasm, share it, and convey confidence. In an interview, this can be demonstrated by finding something about the company that speaks to your passion and talking eagerly about it. For example, if you are passionate about community service and you know the company holds yearly fundraisers, ask questions about this feature during the interview. If you are returning to the workforce after staying home for a few years, the position you interview for might be your job for the next 10 or 20 years.

About the Author

Jan Archer holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a master's degree in creative writing. Roth has written trade books for Books-a-Million and has published articles on green living, wellness and education topics. She taught business writing, literature, creative writing and English composition at the college level for five years.